A much loved member of our polo family tragically lost his life at the of 43. He was one the managers of the North Scottsdale Polo Club, he played polo with throughout Northern California in the summer and was one of the leading thoroughbred jockeys in the western US.
In his memory, Scott W. Malek is hosting The Orlando L. Garrido Memorial Polo Tournament at the North Scottsdale Polo Club. If you would like to participate please contact Scott Malek.
If anyone wishes to participate or has questions regarding the tournament, please contact Scott at 916.715.0111
Or email him: smalek@solutionswest.com
The Orlando L. Garrido Memorial Polo Tournament
March 29th – 30th, 2008
North Scottsdale Polo Club
Scottsdale, Arizona
Hosted by: Scott W. Malek
We Lost Orlando Unexpectedly at the Age of 43
Orlando Lino Garrido of New River, Arizona, died unexpectedly at the age of 43, on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Orlando was born on September 23, 1964, in Saint Joseph, Missouri to Orlando Luis Garrido and his wife, Lillie (Becerril). He grew up in Huntington Beach, California and graduated from Marina High School – Class of ‘82. At that time, Orlando followed his passion for horses and began what would be a successful career in horse racing for over 14 years as a jockey celebrating his first of many wins at Longacres, Washington on “Judge Me Not”. After retiring from racing and up until his death, he worked with Jorge Estrada II in several business ventures. Jorge was also a retired jockey, lifetime friend, and “brother”. Orlando maintained his love of horses by playing polo with Jorge on their team, Polo Azteca with the North Scottsdale Polo Club, to which he held the position as Club Manager. One of his greatest accomplishments included raising his two beautiful children, Lindie, 21, and Orly,11. He is also survived by his parents, his older sister Teresa (Garrido) and her husband Luis Santos, their children, Luis O., Nicole, Sam, and Joel; his younger sister, Lillie (Garrido) and her husband Rey Butcher, their children, Max, Ben, and Sam. Orlando was loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins from California, Texas, Florida, and Cuba. He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents. Orlando was a good son, a dedicated father, the best brother two sisters could ever have wanted and a loyal friend. He celebrated life each and every day. He was a positive influence on those around him. His beautiful smile, sharp sense of humor, and kindness will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service was held at the Garrido Ranch on Saturday, January 19, 2008 where memories of Orlando were shared by his friends and family. The service was held in Orlando’s arena surrounded by his horses, fellow jockeys, polo team and family. It was decorated with 43 yellow and red balloons that were released into the sky. Each balloon represented a year of Orlando’s life and the colors represented his Polo team — Polo Azteca which he named as a part of the North Scottsdale Polo Club. The service began with a moment of silence as his horse Oakie and his son’s horse Peanut entered the arena. Oakie was saddled up and Orlando’s boots were in the stirrups backwards in honor of his horsemanship. Memories were shared and everyone remembered Orlando as he would have wished. He was present in spirit and I know I personally could feel his love surrounding us. Their was a sense of calmness in the arena. It was a beautiful service.